Benchmark of city access roads Comparable to Westplein
2
Benchmark of city access roads
‘‘The street is the river of life of the city, the place where we come together, the pathway to the center’’
William H. Whyte The social life of small urban spaces (1980)
Benchmark of city access roads
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BENCHMARK OF CITY ACCESS ROADS Comparable to Westplein
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Client
Municipality of Utrecht
Project code
UTT498/Asm/2474.01
Date of publication
23 october 2014
Projectteam client:
Peter van der Akker, Pieter van Sluijs
Projectteam Goudappel Coffeng
Ir. Marco Aarsen (project manager), Ir. Jacob Tiellemans, Ir. Christiaan Kwantes, Ir. Rico Andriesse
Status
Final
Benchmark of city access roads
CONTENT
1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . 6
1.1 Background 1.2 Your request
2 APROACH . . . . . . . . 10
2.1
Selected roads and cities
2.2 On-site visits 2.3 Deskresearch
2.4
Engaging with the cities
3 BENCHMARK . . . . . . . 18
Marialaan, Nijmegen Sint Annastraat, Nijmegen Groesbeekseweg, Nijmegen Vleutenseweg, Utrecht Heidelberglaan, Utrecht Croeselaan, Utrecht Brinkgreverweg, Deventer
Avenue Ceramique, Maastricht
IJburglaan, Amsterdam Overtoom, Amsterdam Mathenesserlaan, Rotterdam
Prinsegracht, Den Haag
Willemstraat, Eindhoven Boschdijk, Eindhoven Aalsterweg, Eindhoven Sophiastraat, Breda Index
Benchmark of city access roads
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Benchmark of city access roads
1
INTRODUCTION Inleiding
1.1 Background In 2014 the municipality of Utrecht will work with all stakeholders to draw up a structure plan for the second phase of the railway station redevelopment project. One of the main issues to be addressed is what Westplein should eventually look like. Westplein and the surrounding streets are an important part of the city. Situated directly adjacent to the National Public Transport Hub and the Jaarbeurs Trade Fair Centre, Westplein is a busy junction of cycle and urban public transport routes as well as being a through route between the A2 motorway and the city centre (‘Fly in’). It is also a place with great improvement potential, dominated as it is by traffic flows and having little spatial quality. If properly designed, Westplein can become an attractive link between the Lombok residential district, the railway station area, and the city centre. Key objectives The infrastructure should be designed in such a way as to:
▪▪
provide an attractive, liveable environment with good conditions for cyclists, pedestrians and leisure activities (pavement displays), continuous green spaces (uninterrupted lines of trees), well-designed crossings (preferably one traffic lane in each direction), and safety for road users;
▪▪
allow the forecast amount of through traffic to circulate smoothly and provide proper access to all the functions in and around Westplein;
▪▪
provide space to pursue a new property development programme.
Benchmark of city access roads
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1.2 Your request The immediate reason for your request has been the decisionmaking process that will take place in the autumn of 2014 on the ultimate design of the infrastructure at Westplein. To provide a better understanding of the infrastructure and design options available, we have conducted a benchmark of city access routes that are comparable to Westplein. More specifically, we examined 16 access routes in different cities in the Netherlands. In the ‘Utrecht – Attractive and Accessible City’ policy plan, the authorities expect that Westplein will in future need to carry 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles per 24 hours. The ‘Lombokplein Development Plan’ of 2012 refers to a maximum of 15,000 vehicles per 24 hours. At the municipality’s request, our study is based on a range of 10,000 to 15,000 motor vehicles per 24 hours. Other requirements for the benchmark included:
▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪
Well-designed crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. Link with the newly developed Lombokplein. A city access route with high-quality spatial integration. Presence of green spaces. Bustling road with multiple functions in the buildings alongside it.
▪▪
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Designated spaces for buses and trams.
Benchmark of city access roads
Benchmark of city access roads
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10
Benchmark of city access roads
2 APROACH Inleiding 2.1 Selected roads and cities Volumes < 15,000-20,000 vehicles per 24 hours
Drawing on our in-house knowledge of city access routes in the
2 x 1 lane with central reservation
Netherlands, we drew up a long-list of access routes with volumes of up to 15,000 vehicles per 24 hours. These we narrowed down to 16 roads by applying the following criteria. Traffic volumes on the main road
Volumes < 15,000-20,000 vehicles per 24 hours
Traffic volumes on the roads selected vary between around 10,000
1 x 2 lanes with no central reservation
and 15,000 vehicles per 24 hours. The lower end of this range is not a clear-cut figure. Some roads have low traffic volumes, but do have the capacity to accommodate 15,000 vehicles per 24 hours.
Volumes > 20,000 vehicles per 24 hours
For roads with volumes of up to 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles per 24
2 x 2 lanes
hours, 2 x 1 lane or 1 x 2 lanes will be sufficient. This also holds true for the reconstructed Westplein. Because we limited our selection of roads to those carrying a
For roads with volumes of up to 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles per 24 hours, 2 x 1 lane or
maximum of 15,000 vehicles per 24 hours, this benchmark study
1 x 2 lanes will be sufficient. Volumes in excess of 20,000 vehicles per 24 hours require
covers roads with 2 x 1 lane separated by a central reservation and
2 x 2 lanes in order for the traffic to keep flowing.
roads with 1 x 2 lanes with no central reservation.
Benchmark of city access roads
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Pedestrian and cycle crossings
Spatial integration
In the case of Westplein, there is a need for a good connection
An access road is the entrance to a city centre. It is therefore
between the Lombok residential district and the city centre. Safe
important that it should have a certain style and quality. This quality
and convenient crossings for pedestrians and cyclists are therefore a
is determined by the adjacent buildings, road width, the materials
key objective.
applied, the quality of the greenery, and the degree of liveliness.
Function of the road within the city
Road safety
Westplein will become an access road into and out of the city
We have also looked at whether the roads meet the basic
centre. In performing the benchmark, we looked at the urban
requirements of the Dutch road safety programme. Sections that
nature, feel, and compactness of the roads.
were found not to meet these basic requirements have been identified.
Availability of public transport Westplein will have a shared tram and bus lane, meaning that the tramway will be paved. We have selected roads that approximate this situation as closely as possible. Relationship with the surrounding area and new square There are plans to construct a new square called Lombokplein. Some of the alternative plans provide for a connection between Westplein and the new square. To what extent will Westplein form a part of this square? Can it be crossed safely and conveniently by pedestrians and cyclists or will the road act as a barrier? Urban functions alongside the road The new access road will be situated in an urban setting comprising shops and residential properties. The authorities therefore wish to create lively facilities alongside the road.
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Benchmark of city access roads
The roads examined are access roads in built-up areas. Their function is to allow traffic to run smoothly between areas. They are city access roads, often located in a central district, with a 50 km/h speed limit. The left-hand figure shows the ideal layout of an access road located in a built-up area (50 km/h). The right-hand figure shows the layout that an access road in a built-up area (50 km/h) should have as a minimum. This is an option if there are physical space constraints. Both drawings are taken from the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Basic Features of Road Design: Classification and Layout of Roadsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, published by CROW, the Dutch Technology Platform for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Space.
Ideal layout for access road
Minimum layout for access road
The road has a central reservation. This allows cars enough space to
This layout is an option if there are physical space constraints. Cyclists
turn off the road without hindering cars coming up behind. There is a
have their own space in the form of cycle lanes (red tarmac). The car
segregated cycle path for cyclists to travel to and from the city centre safely
lanes are separated by means of double solid white lines in the middle
and quickly. The central reservation provides a pause point for cyclists as
of the road. The turn lane into the residential streets has square and
well as pedestrians crossing the road. They only need to focus on traffic
triangle road markings to make drivers give way.
coming from one direction at a time. This makes crossing the road a lot safer. The central reservation can also ensure a ‘greener’ look. Cars turning
Dimensions
into a residential street drive across the pavement and cycle path. This
Carriageway width: 2.75 - 3.5 metres
makes drivers aware that they are entering a 30 km/h zone.
Parking spaces: 2.2 – 2.5 metres Cycle lane: 1.5 – 2 metres
Dimensions
Double solid white lines set 0.18 metre apart
Carriageway width: 2.75 - 4.5 metres Parking spaces, including 0.7 metre strip to get out of vehicle: 2.5 – 2.7 metres Cycle path: 2 - 2.5 metres
Never available: E Segregated infrastructure for agricultural traffic. F Crossing for slow traffic on road (level crossing). G Access to 30 km/h residential area. L Stops on main road. M Parking on and/or alongside main road.
Never available: E Segregated infrastructure for agricultural traffic. L Stops in cycle lanes. M Parking on the road.
A Paving
H Mix of traffic flows
A Paving
I Cycle infrastructure
Continuous paving.
Agricultural traffic and mopeds/scooters allowed on 50 km/h road.
Continuous or paving units.
Red tarmacked cycle lanes are available as a
B Physical segregation of lane directions – C Longitudinal marking
minimum.
One lane with solid double line and no marking
Sufficiently provided for.
on the side.
L Public transport stops (bus/tram)
D Street lights
Allowed on main road, but not in cycle lanes.
B Physical segregation of lane directions
Physical segregation in case of 2 x 1 lane and solid line between lanes in case of 2 x 2 or more lanes.
C Longitudinal marking Road edges available in ideal layout.
D Street lights Street lights available.
E Infrastructure for agricultural traffic No dedicated infrastructure.
F Slow traffic on the road
Slow traffic crosses at official junction or via underpass or flyover.
G Access to 30 km/h residential area No direct access from the main road.
I Cycle infrastructure Preferably segregated, red tarmacked cycle path and footway.
K Distance to obstacles Provided for.
L Public transport stops (bus/tram) Availability of stop bays.
N Horizontal and vertical alignment Speed limit in design is 50 km/h.
Q Slope
If there is an embankment or ditch, the slope must be at a safe gradient. For 50 km/h roads with an ideal layout, there are no requirements for the basic features J, O, P, R, and S.
K Distance to obstacles
Street lights available.
M Parking
E Infrastructure for agricultural traffic
Not in main road, but in roadside parking
No dedicated infrastructure.
spaces.
F Slow traffic can cross road at level crossing G Access to 30 km/h residential areas available H Mix of traffic flows
N Horizontal and vertical alignment Speed limit in design is 50 km/h.
Q Slope If there is an embankment or ditch, the slope must be at a safe gradient.
Agricultural traffic and mopeds/scooters use the main road. There is a footway.
Benchmark of city access roads
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2.2 On-site visits We visited, analysed and photographed the sixteen roads selected,
Cycling
focusing on the following features.
▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪
Road safety
▪▪
Cycle paths, cycle lanes or parallel roads. Width. One-way or two-way.
Does the road meet the basic road safety requirements? Pedestrians
Carriageway
▪▪
▪▪
Width of footways.
How is traffic guided on the main road?
- Physical segregation of lane directions.
Public transport
- Road markings running the length of the road.
- Trees.
- Lighting.
- Vertical elements.
▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪
Presence of trams and/or buses. Location of trams/buses within the infrastructure. Shared use or segregated. Construction (‘green’, ‘hard’). Public transport stops.
Crossing points
▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪
Slow traffic crossing at right angles.
Parking
Crossings at junctions and/or along road sections.
▪▪
Junction layout. Side roads exiting on to the main road.
Functions
▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪
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▪▪ ▪▪
Trees: species, height, and distance between them. Grass/plants.
Function of the road within the city.
Materials
Height of buildings/building floors.
▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪
Presence of amenities alongside the road.
Road profile dimensions. Mass/space ratio. Certain degree of spatial quality.
Cars
▪▪ ▪▪
Greenery
Urban functions alongside the road.
Space
▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪
Presence, location, and dimensions of parking spaces.
Number of lanes. Width of lanes.
Benchmark of city access roads
Paving. Public lighting. Street furniture.
2.3 Deskresearch Traffic volumes
8 begrippen
In gathering the data on traffic volumes, we used the National Air
Met het begrippenkader van Functional Ambiance willen we de ‘world of flows’ en de ‘world of places’ elkaar betrekken. De stadsstraat is count data available from theopmunicipalities involved. For each immers plek en pad tegelijkertijd, bestemming én road, our experts searched for the most up-to-date and reliable data route. In het ontwerp van de stadstraat komen het maken van plekken én het organiseren van de sources. stromen beide aan bod.
Quality Cooperation Programme (NSL), transport models, and traffic
Accident statistics
We introduceren acht begrippen die niet afkomstig zijn uit het domein van één van de We also looked at the road accident statistics so as to obtain an disciplines maar die tussen de disciplines in staan. Ieder begrip representeert aspect van objective picture of each road. Despite the fact thateen nowadays de stadsstraat dat kan worden vormgegeven en not all accidents are registered, these statistics provide a good dat van invloed is op het gedrag van mensen op straat.roads and junctions are. We used the impression of how unsafe
accident statistics for the period 2008-2012.
Van deze acht begrippen komen er vier uit het domein van de ‘world of flows’ en vier uit de ‘world of places’. Ieder begrip is even belangrijk, Functional Ambiance maar elke specifieke stadsstraat vraagt om een uitgekiende balans. Ambiance spider We have visualised the roads in aeigen Functional
graph. Developed in part by Goudappel Coffeng, Functional
Worldof ofFlows Flows World
WorldofofPlaces Places World
Net Network
Clusteren Clustering
de enand het relevance belang vanofde thepositie position a street straat in het netwerk
in the network
activiteiten van sociale interactie social interaction and groups of en samenklontering people gathering van mensen
Stromen Flows
Frontyard Front yard
fluidity of road users along the length de langsrichting van de straat of the street
fluïditeit van verkeersdeelnemers in
manifestatie van de relatie tussen manifestation of the relationship gebouwen en de straat between the street and its buildings
Kris-Kras Criss-cross
Zonering Zoning
bewegingen in de dwarsrichting movements crossing the street van de straat
organisatie vanof functies en and the structuring functions activiteiten in de straat
Verweven Weaving
Symbolism Symboliek
tijdelijke samenkomst enand menging temporary convergence merger van verkeersdeelnemers
de manifestatieofvan specifieke manifestation thehet specific character karakter van de straat of the street
Ambiance is a method to describe the present situation of a road and the future ambitions. The conceptual framework consists of a ‘World of Flows’ and a ‘World of Places’. Accordingly, we are examining an area from a traffic point of view and from an urban planning perspective. The strength of this method is that the eight concepts used are
activities along the street
‘discipline neutral’ and are therefore easy to understand by nontechnical users as well. It ensures that local residents, politicians, stakeholders and experts are speaking the same language.
Functional Ambiance
of road users
Benchmark of city access roads
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The spider graph uses the following eight concepts:
World of Places
World of Flows
▪▪ ▪▪
▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪
Network: the position and relevance of a street in the network. Criss-cross: movements crossing the street.
Front yard: manifestation of the relationship between the street and its buildings.
▪▪ ▪▪
Flows: fluidity of road users along the length of the street.
Clustering: social interaction and groups of people gathering.
Zoning: the structuring of functions and activities along the street. Symbolism: manifestation of the specific character of the street.
Weaving: temporary convergence and merger of road users. This method may also be used at a later stage when determining the level of ambition for the new Westplein.
s
APPRAISAL OF THE ROAD
Flow
Wea ving
ss
ss
-cro Criss
-cro Criss
Ne two rk
APPRAISAL OF THE ROAD
Wea ving
Ne two rk
s
Flow
m olis
rd
Fron t ya
boli
b Sym
ring ste Clu
Sym
g
g
ring ste Clu
rd
Fron t ya
16
Zon in
Zon in
sm
AMBITION
Analysis: The spider graph appraises the street “as is” according to all
Ambition: After the analysis (grey), the ambitions for the road
the Functional Ambiance criteria.
are assigned scores in the same spider graph (purple).
Benchmark of city access roads
2.4 Engaging with the cities In addition to our quantitative and qualitative analyses of the sixteen access roads, it is also very interesting to hear what the authorities themselves have to say. What do they believe to be the pros and cons of their access road? What would they now do differently? These lessons learned can be very valuable in the Westplein design process. To obtain this information, we spoke with our contacts in the cities of Breda, Utrecht, Amsterdam, The Hague, Nijmegen, Rotterdam, Deventer, Eindhoven, and Maastricht.
‘‘If you plan for cars and traffic, you get cars and traffic. If you plan for people and places, you get people and places’’ William H. Whyte The social life of small urban spaces (1980)
Benchmark of city access roads
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Benchmark of city access roads
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BENCHMARK Inleiding
Willemstraat
Eindhoven
23 meter
Boschdijk
75.45 feet
Eindhoven
Eindhoven
23,5 meter
Marialaan
77.1 feet
Nijmegen
Deventer
24 meter
Prinsegracht
78.7 feet
Den Haag
Breda
29 meter
95.1 feet
Nijmegen
30 meter
98.4 feet
Amsterdam
31 meter
101.7 feet
Utrecht
32 meter
105.0 feet
Nijmegen
Rotterdam
38 meter
124.7 feet
Vleutenseweg
Utrecht
41 meter
134.5 feet
Avenue Ceramique
Maastricht
42 meter
137.8 feet
IJburglaan Amsterdam
43 meter
141.1 feet
page 68
page 50
Sint Annastraat
Mathenesserlaan
page 62
page 74
Croeselaan
118.1 feet
page 38
page 32
Overtoom
36 meter
page 80
page 110
Groesbeekseweg
114.8 feet
page 86
page 56
Sophiastraat
35 meter
page 20
page 104
Brinkgreverweg
110.0 feet
page 98
page 92
Aalsterweg
33,5meter
33,5 meter
110.0 feet
page 26
Heidelberglaan Utrecht
45 meter
147.6 feet
page 44
The sixteen roads seen from faรงade to faรงade in ascending order of road width. Road width is a key factor determining the urban character and performance of a road.
Benchmark of city access roads
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MARIALAAN Nijmegen USE
Traffic volume: Cars: Public transport: Cycling: Parking: Functions in vicinity:
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12,000 vehicles per 24 hours 2 x 1 lane with central reservation buses on roadway on parallel road alongside parallel road residential
Benchmark of city access roads
LAYOUT
Greenery: Tree species: Lighting: Width:
grass and trees common oak ‘Menhir’ central reservation 35 metres, 114.8 feet
ACCIDENT STATISTICS 2008-2012 Number of accidents: Number of injured: Number of deaths: Slow traffic involved:
12 0 0 4
N325
Be
rg e
Keizer Karelplein
als
ew eg
Sint Anna straat
A73
Ha te r
ts
ew eg
g we kse
ee
esb
Gro
eg ew afs Gra
nD
Benchmark of city access roads
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1,80
3,25
3,25
1,80
3,70
Benchmark of city access roads
2,50
3,50
3,00
front garden
parallel road
verge and bus stop
carriageway
central reservation
carriageway
verge and bus stop
0,30
Profile of Marialaan Distances in meters. Road width from faรงade to faรงade: 35 metres, 114.8 feet
22
2,00
0,30
parallel road
parking
footway
0,30
1,50
footway
3,70
parking
1,60
parking
2,50
Details Marialaan (12,000 vehicles per 24 hours) is an access road running through a residential area in the north of the city of Nijmegen. The road ends behind the railway station. The lanes are segregated by a green central reservation and the road has green verges with trees on either side. There are virtually no amenities along the road other than a few cafes and restaurants. As a result, the road has a leafy and quiet feel. The carriageways are 3.25 metres wide, with a central reservation of 2 metres, conveying the impression that you are not travelling along a busy through road. Its strengths include the green central reservation and verges, its liveliness thanks to a number of cafes etc., the parallel road separating cyclists from car traffic on the main road, and the integration of bus stops into the verges. Areas for improvement include the clearance in the central reservation for cyclists and the width of the parking spaces on the parallel road.
In the period 2008-2012, 12 road accidents were reported at Marialaan, 4 of which involved slow traffic. That is a relatively small number for this period. Because of the segregated traffic flows, the different modes do not often meet, which contributes to road safety. The street largely meets the road safety guidelines. Ideally, all traffic flows should be separated and there should therefore be a separate cycle path. The parking spaces are too narrow, as a result of which parked cars still encroach on the road. The main road does not really provide a forgiving environment for cars. The upright edges and short distances to the street lights mean that drivers run a reasonably high risk of damage if they make an error.
APPRAISAL OF THE ROAD
s
Flow
ss
Ne two rk
-cro Criss
“The municipal authorities are very satisfied with this road. The number of side streets that give directly onto the road has been reduced. They exit onto the parallel road. This improves road safety. The ‘drive slowly, travel faster’ principle is applicable here.”
Wea ving
g
b Sym
Zon in
m olis
Guus Cornelissen, transport consultant Municipality of Nijmegen
ring ste Clu
Fron t ya rd
Appraisal of the road according to the Functional Ambiance method
Benchmark of city access roads
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Cycle crossing
Pedestrian crossing near restaurant
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Benchmark of city access roads
Bus on roadway
Bus stop as part of the verge
Cycle crossing
Lively facilities along the road
Parallel road with parking spaces on either side Relatively narrow parking spaces
Green spaces
Narrow refuge island for cyclists
Benchmark of city access roads
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SINT ANNASTRAAT Nijmegen USE
Traffic volume: 15,000 vehicles per 24 hours Cars: 1 x 2 lanes with no central reservation Public transport: N/A Cycling: on parallel road Parking: alongside parallel road Functions in vicinity: residential and businesses
26
Benchmark of city access roads
LAYOUT
Greenery: Tree species: Lighting: Width:
trees lime trees between street and parallel road 33.5 metres
ACCIDENT STATISTICS 2008-2012 Number of accidents: Number of injured: Number of deaths: Slow traffic involved:
37 7 0 9
N325
Keizer Karelplein
rg e
nD
ee esb Gro
eg ew afs Gra
Be
als
ew eg
Ha te r
ts ew eg
g we kse
A73
Benchmark of city access roads
27
Profile of Sint Annastraat. Distances in metres. Road width from faรงade to faรงade: 33,5 metres, 110.0 feet 28
Benchmark of city access roads
1,25
6,00
front garden
3,50
footway
1,50
parallel road
3,50
parking
3,50
carriageway
1,50
parking
3,50
parallel road
1,25
footway
front garden
6,00
Details
The strengths of Sint Annastraat include its leafy character and parallel roads to separate cyclists and parked cars from the through traffic. Another strong point is the side streets that are structured as exits, which also improves road safety. Areas for improvement include the positioning of the trees and the width of the parking spaces.
In the period 2008-2012, 37 accidents were reported at Sint Annastraat between the railway line and Keizer Karelplein, with 7 people injured, and with 9 accidents involving slow traffic. This suggests that the junctions where the different traffic flows come together pose the greatest hazard for people crossing. The street largely meets the road safety guidelines. Ideally, all traffic flows should be separated and there should therefore be a separate cycle path. The parking spaces are too narrow, as a result of which parked cars still encroach on the road. The main road does not provide a forgiving environment for cars. The upright edges and short distance to the street lights mean that there is a reasonably elevated risk of damage in the event of an error. APPRAISAL OF THE ROAD
s
Flow
-cro Criss
g
Sym
boli
Zon in
sm
ss
rd
Fron t ya
Guus Cornelissen, transport consultant Municipality of Nijmegen
Ne two rk
â&#x20AC;?The road provides a transition from an area access road to a residential access road, which is why it is narrower. So traffic flows a little less smoothly and there are relatively more collisions.â&#x20AC;?
Wea ving
ring ste Clu
Sint Annastraat (15,000 vehicles per 24 hours) is an access road into Nijmegen from the south. Connecting the University of Nijmegen with the city centre, and ending at Keizer Karelplein, it is a main traffic artery in Nijmegen. Sint Annastraat runs past rows of mansions, which gives the street a stately feel. The road is 7 metres wide (2 x 3.5 metres) with a parallel road on either side, which is also used by cyclists. The rows of trees on either side between the street and the parallel road, coupled with the front gardens, provide a leafy and natural character.
Appraisal of the road according to the Functional Ambiance method
Benchmark of city access roads
29
Mansions lining Annastraat
Parallel roads on both sides
Clearance for cyclists
30
Benchmark of city access roads
Cycle crossing
Signal-controlled cycle crossings
Tree-root shield too small
Cars parked with wheels in gutter
Signal-controlled junctions
Dedicated space for cyclists
Side street structured as exit
Benchmark of city access roads
31
GROESBEEKSEWEG Nijmegen USE
Traffic volume: 12,000 vehicles per 24 hours Cars: 1 x 2 lanes with no central reservation Public transport: buses on roadway Cycling: in cycle lane Parking: alongside the road Functions in vicinity: residential and businesses
32
Benchmark of city access roads
LAYOUT
Greenery: Tree species: Lighting: Width:
trees white horse chestnut trees between road and footway 30 metres
ACCIDENT STATISTICS 2008-2012 Number of accidents: Number of injured: Number of deaths: Slow traffic involved:
17 3 0 4
N325
Keizer Karelplein
rg e
nD
als
ew eg
Sint Anna straat
A73
Ha te r
ts
ew eg
eg ew afs Gra
Be
Benchmark of city access roads
33
Profile of Groesbeekseweg. Distances in metres. Road width from faรงade to faรงade: 30 metres, 98.4 feet 34
Benchmark of city access roads
2,30
5,00
front garden
1,75
footway
2,00
parking
3,50
cycle lane
3,50
carriageway
2,00
cycle lane
1,75
parking
2,30
footway
front garden
5,00
Details Groesbeekseweg (12,000 vehicles per 24 hours) is an access road coming from the southeast. It runs past Heilige Landstichting and into the city centre, ending at Keizer Karelplein. The road is a major traffic artery in Nijmegen. It is 11 metres wide (with cycling lanes 2 metres wide on either side). As a result, the road feels like a traffic environment, despite the trees and mansions. However, the lines of trees on either side, and the front gardens, add a leafy and soft appearance. Its strengths include the trees and greenery, the refuge island for pedestrians crossing, the green quality of the road, and the wide cycle lanes, although separate cycle paths would be preferable. The bus stops have been placed so as not to affect the cycle lanes. An improvement would be to construct separate cycle paths to replace the cycle lanes. It is also difficult to cross the road because it is so wide. The parking spaces are a bit too narrow.
In the period 2008-2012, 17 accidents were reported at Groesbeekseweg between Heyendaalseweg and Keizer Karelplein, with 3 people injured. Four of these accidents involved slow traffic. Given the function and layout of the road, the number of accidents is rather small, although road safety would improve considerably from segregated traffic flows. The street meets the road safety guidelines reasonably well. Ideally, all traffic flows should be separated and there should therefore be a separate cycle path. The parking spaces are too narrow, with parked cars still encroaching on the road. The main road provides a forgiving environment for cars, with space for drivers to swerve if need be. Given its function as an access road, having a primary school near the road is not ideal.
APPRAISAL OF THE ROAD
s
Wea ving
ss
Ne two rk
-cro Criss
”This is what you’d call a luxury problem. The road is too wide and therefore designed too much as a car traffic area. It may become the main road towards the east in the future. Near the city centre, Groesbeekseweg is too narrow and should be given more space in terms of the infrastructure.”
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Guus Cornelissen, transport consultant Municipality of Nijmegen
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Fron t ya
Appraisal of the road according to the Functional Ambiance method
Benchmark of city access roads
35
Bus stops between road and cycle lane
Extra focus on children crossing the road near primary
36
Benchmark of city access roads
Leafy road
People do not always use the official crossing
Dedicated cycle lane
Crossing with small refuge island
Difficult to cross without refuge island
Large tree leaving less space for footway
Benchmark of city access roads
37
VLEUTENSEWEG Utrecht USE
Traffic volume: 13,000 vehicles per 24 hours Cars: 2 x 1 lane with central reservation Public transport: buses in bus lane Cycling: on parallel road and cycle path Parking: alongside the main road and parallel road Functions in vicinity: residential and businesses
38
Benchmark of city access roads
LAYOUT
Greenery: Tree species: Lighting: Width:
grass and trees lime trees between street and parallel road 41 metres
ACCIDENT STATISTICS 2008-2012 Number of accidents: Number of injured: Number of deaths: Slow traffic involved:
170 26 0 9
n ixl aa ar n
M
Am ste rd am se str aa tw eg
Kard
inaal
de Jo
ngwe
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har
Cat
A28 gel sin
A2
ew eg ini Wa ter l
n
laa
dn ay
hH
ep Jos
A27
Benchmark of city access roads
39
Profile of Vleutenseweg. Distances in metres. Road width from faรงade to faรงade: 41 metres, 134.5 feet
40
Benchmark of city access roads
3,30
footway
2,80
cycle path
2,00
parking
2,95
carriageway
3,80
bus lane
4,50
central reservation
3,80
bus lane
2,95
carriageway
2,50
verge
2,70
cycle path
2,90
parallel road
2,00
parking
footway
3,40
Details Vleutenseweg (13,000 vehicles per 24 hours) is an area access road in the west of the city centre. The road runs from Spinozaweg to Westplein through an urban area. Each carriageway is 5.75 metres wide (bus lane of 3.8 metres and car lane of 2.95 metres) with a green central reservation 4.5 metres wide. There are parking spaces on the north side, and a parallel road with parking spaces and a separate, raised cycling path on the south side of the road. The buildings along the road are mainly houses. There are also a few shops and other public amenities. Utrecht Cathedral can be seen on the horizon, so the road runs into the city centre. Side streets give onto the road by means of exits.
the parallel road, which can be unsafe if the cycle path is crowded. Bus stops are situated in the central reservation, which gives the road a ‘hard’ feel. The road is 41 metres wide in total. Because it is so wide, it feels less like a city access road. Railings in the central reservation should ‘prevent’ pedestrians from crossing there. Since they are fairly low railings, it is questionable whether they are effective.
Good points are the segregated traffic flows (buses, cars, cyclists), also on the parallel road. Moreover, the green central reservation and verges provide a natural look. Part of the pavement is used by shops, cafes and restaurants, which heightens the sense of liveliness. The road is rather difficult to cross. The only places to do so are at the junctions and at a few cycle crossings. Cyclists use a raised section on
The street complies fully with the road safety guidelines. The main road provides a forgiving environment for cars because of the nearside bus lane. The road is mono-functional and its recognisability is good. The parking spaces are wide enough. All traffic lanes are APPRAISAL segregated, also on the parallel road. OF THE ROAD
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Zanne Schors, landscape architect Municipality of Utrecht
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We receive a lot of requests for the road to have more greenery. Apparently, local residents want more character and colour, although because of all the different verges between the car lane and bus lane, more trees and plants will be difficult to tend to.”
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Flow
-cro Criss
”This is a wide city street. It used to be a canal. That is why the façades and street are positioned disproportionately from each other, in a much less compact way. The bus lane in the middle forms a barrier. Fortunately, the road has a number of well-designed level crossings, which more or less makes it fit into the rest of the city fabric. The road is divided up into far too many separate lanes: buses, cycling, cars, parallel road, verge, another verge, etc. You can tell from the trees that this is not good, they are withering away in too narrow strips of turf. This enormous space really calls for proper majestic trees. To make it all more lively, especially on the sunny side, the pavement should be widened. Even drivers have difficulty choosing the right lane.
In the period 2008-2012, 170 accidents were reported at Vleutenseweg, with 26 people injured. Fifteen of these accidents involved slow traffic.
Appraisal of the road according to the Functional Ambiance method
Benchmark of city access roads
41
Crossing at bus stops
View of Utrecht Cathedral
Side street shaped as exit
Verge with railings between bus lanes
Signal-controlled junction
42
Benchmark of city access roads
‘‘Pedestrians: Watch out for the bus!’’
Crossing
Raised cycle path alongside parallel road
No central reservation at bus stops
Benchmark of city access roads
43
HEIDELBERGLAAN Utrecht USE
Traffic volume: N/A - restricted to buses and taxis. However, the road has sufficient capacity. Public transport: buses in bus lane Cycling: on cycle path Functions in vicinity: university and hospitality
44
Benchmark of city access roads
LAYOUT
Greenery: Tree species: Lighting: Width: approx.
grass and trees plane trees and yew trees between bus lanes 45 metres
ACCIDENT STATISTICS 2008-2012 Number of accidents: Number of injured: Number of deaths: Slow traffic involved:
1 1 0 0
an xla ni ar
M
Am ste rd am se str aa tw eg
Kard
inaal
de Jo
ngwe
g
el
ing
nes
ij har
Cat
A28
Jos
iew eg Wa ter lin
n
laa
dn ay
hH
ep
A27
Benchmark of city access roads
45
Profile of Heidelberglaan. Distances in metres. Road width from faรงade to faรงade: 45 metres, 147.6 feet
46
Benchmark of city access roads
approx. 3,00
paved square
approx. 5,00
grass elements
approx. 6,00
paved square
3,00
bus lane
3,00
bus lane
approx. 6,00
paved square
approx. 3,00
grass elements
5,00
cycle path
approx. 3,00
grass elements
paved square
approx. 7,00
Details Heidelberglaan is situated on the university campus ‘De Uithof’ in the southeast of Utrecht. The road runs from Genevelaan to Hoofddijk, around the University Hospital. It is a busway shared by taxis. The road has 2 x 1 lanes separated by a small verge. As far as its layout is concerned, the road could perfectly well carry up to 15,000 vehicles per 24 hours. There is a pavement about 9 metres wide between the segregated 1 x 2 cycle paths and the bus lane. The bus stops are alongside the road. Side streets exit onto Heidelberglaan at give-way junctions. The grass verges are elevated so as to naturally guide pedestrians to the official crossings. The squares run over the road, as it were. There are grass verges between the bus lanes and cycle paths, and on the other side of the cycle paths. University buildings line both sides of the road. Along the north side of the road, there are trees. These trees and the large expanse of grass, colourful buildings and buzz of students combine to make for a pleasant and liveable street. Other strong points include the segregated traffic flows and the fact that the road is blocked to car traffic.
The road is 45 metres wide. For a city access road such as Westplein, this may be a bit too much. Given the road width in proportion to the height of the surrounding buildings, Westplein would probably not really feel like a city access road in a central district. On lecture days, Heidelberglaan is packed with cyclists and public transport users, which would cause unsafe situations if these flows were mixed. But because they are segregated, this is not an issue. In the period 2008-2012, 1 accident was reported at Heidelberglaan, with 1 person injured. The accident involved a cyclist and a bus and a red light being ignored. The street complies fully with the road safety guidelines. Its functionality, homogeneity, recognisability, forgiving environment and clarity of status are good.
“Works fine. The bus lanes flow well.”
APPRAISAL OF THE Dirk-Jan Hoekstra, transport engineer Municipality of Utrecht
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Zanne Schors, landscape architect Municipality of Utrecht
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”A one-dimensional street in a one-dimensional area. The entire campus is not really part of the urban fabric. All the roads and buildings are there in their own right and there is not much they share. Visitors go to their destinations, stay there for the whole day, and then go back home. Because Heidelberglaan is buses only, other vehicles do not know how to get to the buildings. So they often end up using the cycle paths (couriers, suppliers, etc.). There are not many alternatives for taking a short relaxation break within easy reach, so you will often see students sitting in various places alongside the road. It tends to be windy here, though. So this is not the kind of street you would use to create a bustling piece of city.”
ROAD
Appraisal of the road according to the Functional Ambiance method Benchmark of city access roads
47
Separate two-way cycle path
Grass and trees create a green atmosphere
Continuous paved square, grass elements â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;guidingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pedestrians to crossings
48
Benchmark of city access roads
Indoor cycle park alongside cycle path
Crossing
Wide verges
Signal-controlled crossing
Bus stops
Benchmark of city access roads
49
CROESELAAN Utrecht USE
Traffic volume: 12,000 vehicles per 24 hours Cars: 2 x 1 lane with central reservation Public transport: buses on roadway Cycling: on segregated cycle path Parking: alongside the road Functions in vicinity: residential and shops
50
Benchmark of city access roads
LAYOUT
Greenery: Tree species: Lighting: Width:
grass and trees lime trees between road and cycle path 32 metres
ACCIDENT STATISTICS 2008-2012 Number of accidents: Number of injured: Number of deaths: Slow traffic involved:
61 17 0 18
an xla ni ar
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Am ste rd am se str aa tw eg
Kard
inaal
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har
Cat
A28
gel
sin
A2
ini Wa ter l
n
laa
n yd Ha
ew eg
ph
e Jos
A27
Benchmark of city access roads
51
Profile of Croeselaan. Distances in metres. Road width from faรงade to faรงade: 32 metres, 105.0 feet
52
Benchmark of city access roads
front garden
4,00
footway
2,20
cycle path
1,90
parking
3,45
carriageway
4,30
central reservation
1,20
unpaved footpath
4,30
central reservation
3,45
carriageway
1,90
parking
2,20
cycle path
footway
3,10
In the period 2008-2012, 61 accidents were reported at Croeselaan, with 17 people injured. Eighteen of these accidents involved slow traffic. The street meets the road safety guidelines reasonably well. The main road provides a reasonably forgiving environment for cars, with limited room for manoeuvre because of the cars parked at the sides of the road. There is dedicated infrastructure for cyclists. The parking spaces are 1.9 metres wide, which is a little on the narrow side.
The great strength of the road is its wide central reservation, which doubles as a small park. The walking route along the middle of the central reservation is used a lot by people taking a walk or walking their dogs. The trees and fine architecture combine to give the street a pleasant feel. There is sufficient space for cyclists and pedestrians. The road is easy to cross because you only have to cross one lane at a time.
“The road has become very quiet since access to it from the Jaarbeurs Trade Fair Centre was closed. The other side of the coin is that cars now drive too fast. Also, heavy goods vehicles are using the road although they should be taking a different route. The biggest danger is when people cross the road. High speeds and poor visibility create dangerous situations.”
”This is a typical city street in a pre-war residential district with a fairly narrow profile for traffic circulation, but it does offer a great deal of spatial quality. Its spatial quality lies in the strong structure of the central reservation and trees, and in the junctions, which are just plain level junctions with no left or right turn lanes. This makes the road continuous in terms of its spatial structure. Another good point is the space between the façades and the road created by the pavement and cycle path, although a bit more space here would be nice.
Wea ving
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Zanne Schors, landscape architect Municipality of Utrecht
s Flow
-cro Criss
Because of its compactness and trees, the street forms a part of the residential area and the city rather than creating a barrier.’’
APPRAISAL OF THE ROAD
Martijn Dijkhof, transport engineer Municipality of Utrecht
Fron t ya
Croeselaan (12,000 vehicles per 24 hours) is an area access road in the west of the city centre. The road runs from Vondellaan to Westplein through an urban area. The carriageways are 3.45 metres wide, with a green and very wide central reservation of 9.8 metres. Buses drive and stop on the road. Cars are parked alongside the road. There are separate cycle paths on either side. The buildings lining the road are mainly houses. There are also a number of shops and other public amenities.
ring ste Clu
Details
Appraisal of the road according to the Functional Ambiance method
Benchmark of city access roads
53
Large boulders to alert people crossing
Wide central reservation doubles as a local park
Cycle crossing
54
Benchmark of city access roads
Signage to alert to road narrowing and crossing
Buses stop on the road
Pedestrian crossing
Cycle parking space
Flexible bus speed bump
Grass can be driven over due to grass concrete pavers
Side street giving onto the road
Extra signage at zebra crossing
Separate cycle paths and parking spaces alongside the
Benchmark of city access roads
55
BRINKGREVERWEG Deventer USE
Traffic volume: 10,000 vehicles per 24 hours Cars: 2 x 1 lane with central reservation Public transport: buses on roadway Cycling: on segregated cycle path Parking: alongside the road Functions in vicinity: residential, shops, and market square
56
Benchmark of city access roads
LAYOUT
Greenery: trees Tree species: Robinia Lighting: between road and cycle path Width: 24 metres to railing separating the square
ACCIDENT STATISTICS 2008-2012 Number of accidents: Number of injured: Number of deaths: Slow traffic involved:
53 5 0 10
y nt na
Du an
la
e
nr
We ll
aat str
nd
o eH
g
Ho
He
Ce int uu rba an
Snipperling
sdijk
N344
Benchmark of city access roads
57
58
Benchmark of city access roads
paved verge
2,10
3,50
square
1,10
cycle path
2,10
parking space
3,25
carriageway
1,90
paved central reservation
3,25
carriageway
Profile of Brinkgreverweg. Distances in metres. Road width from faรงade to faรงade: 24 metres, 87.7 feet
1,10
paved verge
2,10
cycle path
3,30
square
square
Details Brinkgreverweg (10,000 vehicles per 24 hours) is a residential access road in the east of Deventer. The road runs from the railway line to Henri Dunantlaan (N337). It has two traffic lanes with a central reservation 1.9 metres wide. There is a separate cycle path on either side. Aside from the traffic lanes, all surfaces are paved with bricks. Buses drive and stop on the road. Side streets give onto Brinkgreverweg by means of exits.
A good point is the segregated traffic flows. Cyclists and cars use separate lanes on the road section between the railway line and market square, as do drivers coming from the opposite direction. The road is easy to cross. A less strong point is the quality of the layout. The road has a rather ‘hard’ appearance. The market square no longer exits onto Brinkgreverweg because of the railing, which adds to the sense of disconnection.
The brick-paved market square is reflected in the road layout, the idea being to have the road blend in with the surrounding area. However, a railing has been erected between the square and road, which seems contradictory.
In the period 2008-2012, 53 accidents were reported at Brinkgreverweg, with 5 people injured. Ten of these accidents involved slow traffic. The street complies fully with the road safety guidelines. Functionality, homogeneity, recognisability and clarity of status are good. In terms of providing a forgivingOF environment, having wider APPRAISAL THE ROAD lanes would be better.
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Tom Draisma, transport engineer Municipality of Deventer
s
Flow
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”This road is a typical historic artery that used to connect the city centre with the countryside north of Deventer. It still has the function of a city access road. When the market square was redeveloped a few years ago, the choice was made to construct a road with separate cycle paths. The buses stop on the road, which causes no problems in terms of traffic flow and is a workable solution for the buses anyway. The physically segregated lanes also work well in that they prevent overtaking and allow people to cross in stages. The pedestrian crossing is used a lot and, speaking from my own experience, drivers are sufficiently aware of it and generally will stop. In terms of its feel and infrastructure, the road forms a part of the market square. This was a deliberate choice at the time.”
Appraisal of the road according to the Functional Ambiance method
Benchmark of city access roads
59
Blind windows of a supermarket
60
Zebra crossing
Guided crossing
Central island provides pleasant support for people crossing
Zebra crossing towards market square
Benchmark of city access roads
Bus on road
Cycle path runs across the square
Signage continues into the square
The market square â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;De Beestenmarktâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;
Benchmark of city access roads
61
AVENUE CERAMIQUE Maastricht USE
Traffic volume: 15,000 vehicles per 24 hours Cars: 2 x 1 lane with central reservation Public transport: buses in bus lane Cycling: on separate cycle path Parking: alongside bus lane Functions in vicinity: residential, shops, businesses, and inner courtyards
62
Benchmark of city access roads
LAYOUT
Greenery: Tree species: Hedge species: Lighting: Width:
trees and hedges Robinia Lonicera between road and cycle path 42 metres
ACCIDENT STATISTICS 2008-2012 Number of accidents: Number of injured: Number of deaths: Slow traffic involved:
20 6 0 8
Viad
uctw eg
rug
b der oor
N
Wi
a
lhe
Vi
l
ge sin ina
ia
lm
g Re
traat Bergers
Maas
8 N27
boule vard
N278
Benchmark of city access roads
63
Profile of Avenue Céramique Distances in metres Road width from façade to façade: 42 metres, 137.8 feet
64
Benchmark of city access roads
5,00
footway
2,00
cycle path
2,00
footway
3,00
parking
3,00
bus lane
3,00
car lane
6,00
central reservation
3,00
car lane
3,00
bus lane
3,00
parking
2,00
footway
2,00
cycle path
footway
5,00
Details In the period 2008-2012, 20 accidents were reported at Avenue Céramique, with 6 people injured. Eight of these accidents involved slow traffic. Accidents tend to happen at the junctions, where slow traffic crosses car traffic. The street complies fully with the road safety guidelines. The main road provides a forgiving environment for through traffic. It is clearly an access road, the parking spaces are wide enough, and the different modes each have their own infrastructure.
Good points include the segregated traffic flows, separate bus lanes, wide parking spaces, the leafy character of the road, and the shops along the road. Although they do not exactly cater to the masses, these shops do attract people walking about. The road has multiple crossings and is therefore easy to cross. However, pedestrians can only cross at crossings, the hedges preventing them from crossing elsewhere. The side streets give onto road by means of exits so as not to hamper the through traffic. The width of the road profile creates some distance to the buildings. The wide pavement creates much space between the road and façades.
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Viviane de Groot, transport engineer/urban planner Municipality of Maastricht
s
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“We are very happy with how Avenue Céramique has worked out. Its layout and design are a good example, one which is seen as the ideal future solution in many places elsewhere in town. The traffic runs smoothly (15,000 vehicles per 24 hours). We have had no complaints about the road so far.”
APPRAISAL OF THE ROAD
ring ste Clu
Avenue Céramique (15,000 vehicles per 24 hours) is a neighbourhood access road in the southeast of the city centre, between the river Meuse and the railway line to Liège, Belgium. The road runs from the roundabout near the N278 sliproad to Wilhelminasingel. The car lanes are 3 metres wide, as are the bus lanes. There is a green central reservation 6 metres wide, with a double row of trees. On either side of the lanes, there are parking spaces lined with trees, a segregated cycle path and a pavement. There are various high-end shops, including Bang & Olufsen, Swiss Sense, and Hästens. The shops, the symmetrical rows of trees and the modern architecture on either side of the road give Avenue Céramique a stately and sophisticated quality.
Appraisal of the road according to the Functional Ambiance method
Benchmark of city access roads
65
Junction with side street
Zebra crossing
Hedges in central reservation provide a stately look. Pedestrians and cyclists can cross the road in designated places only. Hedges are maintenance-intensive.
66
Benchmark of city access roads
Dual-height lamp post
Use of boulders as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;guidingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; elements
Inner courtyards along the road
Stately trees
Sufficient space for cars to turn left or right
Wide parking strip
The central reservation provides a green and stately look, as well as space for cars and a pause point for cyclists and pedestrians when crossing. Cyclists and pedestrians cannot cross the road in all places.
Benchmark of city access roads
67
IJBURGLAAN Amsterdam USE
Traffic volume: 15,000 vehicles per 24 hours Cars: 2 x 1 lane with central reservation Public transport: buses on roadway tramway in central reservation Cycling: on separate cycle path Parking: alongside the main road Functions in vicinity: residential, shops,businesses
68
Benchmark of city access roads
LAYOUT
Greenery: Tree species: Hedge species: Lighting: Width:
trees and hedges plane trees beech between road and cycle path 43 metres
ACCIDENT STATISTICS 2008-2012 Number of accidents: Number of injured: Number of deaths: Slow traffic involved:
24 6 1 4
Nas sau kad e
Haarlemmerweg
t straa
lerq
De C
A10 at stra aut Wib
M
id
de
nw eg
A10
A2
Benchmark of city access roads
69
Profile of IJburglaan Distances in metres Road width from faรงade to faรงade: 43 metres, 141.1 feet
70
Benchmark of city access roads
3,00
footway
2,30
cycle path
3,00
footway
2,30
parking
4,50
carriageway
2,00
beech hedge
9,00
tram
2,00
beech hedge
4,50
carriageway
2,30
parking
3,00
footway
2,30
cycle path
footway
3,00
Details
s
Flow
Wea ving
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Zon in
sm
ss
Fokko Kuik, traffic and transport policy adviser Municipality of Amsterdam
The road complies fully with the road safety guidelines. Its functionality, homogeneity, recognisability, forgiving environment APPRAISAL OF THE ROAD and clarity of status are good.
-cro Criss
“In terms of circulation, the morning rush-hour creates some problems within a short time window when parents drop their children at school and go to work. The road was also used as a shortcut by people avoiding the A1 motorway, but that is no longer the case. Shopkeepers complain about the road not being easy to cross. The tramway and hedges force people to walk further. Parking also sometimes causes tempers to flare, with local residents occupying the parking spaces in front of the shops. We have to strike a balance between road safety and shopkeepers’ interests.”
In the period 2008-2012, 24 accidents were reported at IJburglaan, with 6 people injured and 1 death. Four of these accidents involved slow traffic.
Fron t ya rd
Good points are the segregated infrastructure (separate tramway, car lanes, and cycle paths) and the leafy look created by the hedges and trees.
A weakness is that the road is not easy to cross. The tramway can only be crossed in a limited number of places. As a result, people often have to walk some distance, which the shopkeepers are not happy about. At 43 metres, the road is also rather wide and does not really feel like a city road. Moreover, the lengthy straights create a higher risk of speeding. This is exacerbated by the fact that the carriageways are also fairly wide (4.5 metres).
ring ste Clu
IJburglaan (15,000 vehicles per 24 hours) is a neighbourhood access road in the east of Amsterdam. The road runs like a central artery from the A10 motorway straight into the IJburg residential district. The two carriageways are 4.5 metres wide and are separated by a tramway 9 metres wide. There are hedges and trees on either side of the tramway so as to prevent people from crossing. The carriageways also have nearside parking spaces. These are sufficiently wide. The footway is lined with trees. Next to it is a separate cycle path. The side streets give onto the road at signal-controlled junctions or by means of exits. Because there are only a number of shops, which do not use the pavement, and many straight lines (hedges, buildings, road markings, lengthy straights), the road has a clinical and quiet feel to it.
Appraisal of the road according to the Functional Ambiance method
Benchmark of city access roads
71
Wide traffic lane
Signal-controlled zebra crossing
Side street
72
Benchmark of city access roads
Buses on the roadway
Functions such as underground wastebins and cycle parking areas are included in the design.
Cycle path
The tramway and wide hedges effectively bisect the area.
Hedges prevent people from getting to the other side quickly.
Benchmark of city access roads
73
OVERTOOM Amsterdam USE
Traffic volume: Cars: Public transport: Cycling: Parking: Functions in vicinity:
14,000 vehicles per 24 hours 2 x 1 lane shared use of central reservation by buses and trams on separate cycle path alongside the road residential, shops, businesses
74
Benchmark of city access roads
LAYOUT
Greenery: Tree species: Lighting: Width:
trees elm trees between road and cycle path 31 metres
ACCIDENT STATISTICS 2008-2012 Number of accidents: Number of injured: Number of deaths: Slow traffic involved:
174 62 1 55
Nas sau
kad
e
Haarlemmerweg
t straa
lerq
De C
A10 at stra aut Wib
M
id
de
nw eg
A10
Benchmark of city access roads A2
75
Profile of Overtoom Distances in metres Road width from faรงade to faรงade: 31 metres, 101.7 feet
76
Benchmark of city access roads
3,20
footway
cycle path
1,00 1,80
paved verge
2,00
parking
3,30
carriageway
6,60
tram and bus lane
3,30
carriageway
2,00
parking
1,00
paved verge
1,80
cycle path
footway
5,00
Details
The street meets the road safety guidelines reasonably well. The main road provides a reasonably forgiving environment for cars, with limited room for APPRAISAL manoeuvre dueOF to the parked at the sides of THEcars ROAD the road. Given Overtoom’s function as a neighbourhood access road, it is a good thing that the amenities and side streets do not connect directly with the through road at uncontrolled junctions. Separate infrastructure is in place for the different modes.
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rd
Fokko Kuik, traffic and transport policy adviser Municipality of Amsterdam
In the period 2008-2012, 174 accidents were reported at Overtoom, with 62 people injured and 1 death. Fifty-five accidents involved slow traffic, with a large number of accidents involving a moped or scooter. Mopeds and scooters share the narrow cycle path with cyclists, creating many dangerous situations. The junction with Van Baerlestraat is also very busy and dangerous. Many of the accidents happened there.
Fron t ya
”Overtoom is a busy access road into and out of the city centre. There is no avoiding cars here. It is a notorious bottleneck for trams, cars and cyclists. For a city street to have a buzz, it needs a lot of people passing. Most of the shoppers are cyclists and pedestrians. The road has problems with air quality, and vehicles loading and unloading are a real concern. The road fulfils too many functions to fit the road profile. Combining the best of IJburglaan and Overtoom would produce the ideal street.”
A good point is the segregated infrastructure (separate tramway, carriageway, and cycle paths). In addition, the busy pavement in front of the various shops, cafes and restaurants make for a lively atmosphere. The road is reasonably easy to cross, with a number of zebra crossings in place. Weaknesses include the entrances to the spaces at the back of the buildings (garages), the width of the cycle paths, and the way in which they are positioned. The cycle paths tend to skirt just past the other amenities.
ring ste Clu
Overtoom is a neighbourhood access road in the southwest of the city centre. The road runs from Stadhouderskade to Amstelveenseweg, parallel to the Vondelpark. The two carriageways are each 3.3 metres wide and separated by a tramway 6.6 metres wide. On either side of the road are sufficiently wide parking spaces, a row of trees, and a separate cycle path. The tramway is shared by taxis. There are overhead power lines above the tracks. Although there are a lot of cycle parking facilities, these have insufficient capacity to fully absorb the parking demand. The cycle paths often miss the cycle racks and displays on the pavement (for example at pavement cafes) by only a few inches. The side streets exit onto signal-controlled junctions. However, a number of businesses have a garage at the back of the building that is accessed by means of an entrance-like structure. The road has an urban and busy feel to it, due to the many people making use of it, the large numbers of parked bicycles, and the relatively narrow car lanes and cycle paths.
Appraisal of the road according to the Functional Ambiance method
Benchmark of city access roads
77
Lively pavement areas
Buses and trams in the middle
Signal-controlled zebra crossings
78
Benchmark of city access roads
Very high cycle parking demand
Lively pavement areas
Zebra crossing
Dedicated space for cyclists
Benchmark of city access roads
79
MATHENESSERLAAN Rotterdam USE
Traffic volume: 8,000 vehicles per 24 hours Cars: 1 x 2 lanes with no central reservation Public transport: shared use by buses, trams and cars Cycling: on parallel road Parking: alongside main road and parallel road Functions in vicinity: residential, hospitality
80
Benchmark of city access roads
LAYOUT
Greenery: trees Tree species: plane trees Lighting: between main road and parallel road Width: 38 metres
ACCIDENT STATISTICS 2008-2012 Number of accidents: Number of injured: Number of deaths: Slow traffic involved:
82 23 0 14
A20
Kralingse Plas
A13
Weena sdijk Beukel laak Westb
La ijk eed stz We
an
op
Zu id
Benchmark of city access roads
81
Profile of Mathenesserlaan Distances in metres Road width from faรงade to faรงade: 38 metres, 124.7 feet
82
Benchmark of city access roads
4,00
footway
1,80
parking
4,00
parallel
4,20
verge
2,00
parking
6,00
carriageway
2,00
parking
4,20
verge
4,00
parallel road
1,80
parking
footway
4,00
Details A strong feature of the road is its narrow layout. With parking spaces and tall trees on either side, traffic is calmed naturally. Cyclists use the parallel roads, which also cater for the majority of the parking demand. The parking spaces alongside the main road are sufficiently wide. The crossings have a central island allowing pedestrians to cross the road in two stages. Bicycle lockers are available for residents in parking spaces on the road, so that there are not many bikes parked on the pavement. An area for improvement is the number of crossings. The only decent way to cross the road is to use the zebra crossings. Moreover, on overcast days the road is very dark because of the thick foliage.
Mathenesserlaan is a neighbourhood access road on the western edge of the city centre. The road runs from Vierambachtsstraat to Rochussenstraat, crossing Heemraadsingel at a level junction and ‘s -Gravendijkwal through an underpass. The main road is 6 metres wide, with parking spaces on either side. The tram tracks in the road are not used regularly. Buses share the main road and also stop on the road. Wedged between the main road and parallel road are green verges with trees. Because of the thick foliage, the street has an intimate and shady atmosphere. The parallel roads are 4 metres wide, with parking spaces 1.8 metres wide. They are lined with mansions. The pavement is wide and the parallel roads are used mainly by local traffic. The overall feel is one of peace and quiet.
s
Flow
Wea ving
Ne two rk
g
b Sym
Zon in
olis
m
ss
ring ste Clu
F r o n t ya rd
Frank Romijn, traffic and transport policy adviser Municipality of Rotterdam
The street meets the road safety guidelines reasonably well. The main road provides a reasonably forgiving environment for cars, with limited room for manoeuvre due to the many cars parked APPRAISAL THE ROAD function as a at the sides of the street. GivenOF Mathenesserlaan’s neighbourhood access road, it is a good thing that the amenities and side streets give onto the parallel roads and do not connect directly to the through road via uncontrolled junctions. The shared use by buses and trams poses no problem.
-cro Criss
“I was a project manager at the time when the road was reconstructed. Mathenesserlaan runs partly through the city centre and partly through the Delfshaven residential district. The road is a borderline case in terms of its function. Although it connects the city centre with the neighbourhoods in the west, it is not a main artery. However, it is an important neighbourhood access road carrying a lot of local traffic. It has an intermediate status. The parallel roads are designed to accommodate the local traffic. The question of where to put in parking spaces and trees was a difficult one. In the end, we decided on the trees at the expense of some of the parking spaces to ensure that they would have the space to grow. The trees give the road a unique character. Most of the complaints are about parking. The parking spaces are just a bit too narrow. Residents often park with two wheels on the pavement. We do not want that, but we tolerate it. With hindsight, we should have provided wider parking spaces.”
In the period 2008-2012, 82 accidents were reported at Mathenesserlaan, between Heemraadssingel and Rochussenstraat , with 23 people injured. Fourteen accidents involved slow traffic. The bulk of the accidents involved collisions between passenger cars not giving way. Because traffic flows are segregated, relatively few conflicts occur between cyclists and cars.
Appraisal of the road according to the Functional Ambiance method
Benchmark of city access roads
83
Buses stop on the roadway
Junction
Begeieiding oversteek
Parallel roads with parking spaces
84
Benchmark of city access roads
Dedicated space for cyclists
Traffic lights combined with special design lamp posts
Plane trees give the street a very green look
Cafes and restaurants liven up the road
Benchmark of city access roads
85
PRINSEGRACHT Den Haag USE
Traffic volume: 9,000 vehicles per 24 hours Cars: 2 x 1 lane with central reservation Public transport: tramway in central reservation buses on main road Cycling: on cycle path Parking: alongside the main road Functions in vicinity: residential, shops, businesses, and hospitality
86
Benchmark of city access roads
LAYOUT
Greenery: Tree species: Lighting: Width:
trees lime trees suspended 36 metres
ACCIDENT STATISTICS 2008-2012 Number of accidents: Number of injured: Number of deaths: Slow traffic involved:
35 11 0 11
ort
A12
rvo
rde
ee
M an nv
Laa
Volendam
laan g we ag
Ha
re
Ge
A4
g we
us
sm
Era
n
laa
or
po
lS
a na
Benchmark of city access roads
87
Profile of Prinsegracht Distances in metres Road width from faรงade to faรงade: 36 metres, 118.1 feet
88
Benchmark of city access roads
3,60
footway
2,00
cycle path
1,80
parking
3,90
carriageway
3,00
verge
6,60
tramway
3,00
verge
3,90
carriageway
1,80
parking
2,00
cycle path
footway
3,20
Details
The street meets the road safety guidelines reasonably well. The APPRAISAL OF THE ROAD for cars. It is main road provides a reasonably forgiving environment a local street as well as an access road. The parking spaces are not sufficiently wide everywhere. Otherwise, homogeneity and clarity of status are good.
s
Flow
Wea ving
Ne two rk
Zon in
m olis mb
ss
Sy
g
rd
Fron t ya
Frans Botma, transport engineer Municipality of The Hague
In the period 2008-2012, 35 accidents were reported at Prinsegracht, with 11 people injured. Eleven accidents involved slow traffic. There is a reasonable chance of conflicts occurring among slow traffic (vehicles loading and unloading, mopeds/scooters, cyclists) and between slow traffic and passenger cars, so the road hosts relatively many places that are unsafe from a traffic point of view.
-cro Criss
“When the tunnel under Grote Markt was constructed a few years ago, Prinsegracht was also reconstructed. It previously had 2 x 2 lanes and no cycle paths, which made it a real traffic environment. There is now a much better balance between the different functions. The road works well, there have been no complaints. The layout does not really invite speeding. The footways are a bit narrow. In The Hague, the emergency services must be able to drive over the tram lines, which is why they are tarmacked rather than green. A green tramway would have given the road a softer look. We are very satisfied with the mix of cyclists, cars, trams and amount of green. The Dutch Cyclists’ Association once complained that the poles supporting the overhead wires were too close to the cycle path, giving cyclists little room for manoeuvre.”
Good points are the segregated traffic flows, the separate tramway and the width of the lanes, which has a traffic-calming effect. The shops, cafes and restaurants give the street a buzz. The road is not very easy to cross. Because of its width and the tramway, it is difficult to get to the other side. The parking spaces on the north side are a bit too narrow, and the cycle paths tend to skirt just past the poles supporting the overhead power lines.
ring ste Clu
Prinsegracht is a neighbourhood access road in the southwest of the city centre. The road runs from Grote Marktstraat to Lijnbaan. The central reservation has a double set of tram tracks, which go underground at the end of Prinsegracht, under Grote Markt. The carriageways are 3.9 metres wide, with a paved central reservation of 6.6 metres and parking spaces alongside the road. Next to these are separate cycle paths 2 metres wide. Buses stop on the road. There are lots of shops, cafes and restaurants on the south side of the road. The north side has many office buildings and houses. There is not much green along the road. The grass verges along the tramway and the rows of trees are not in proportion to the amount of tarmac used. The side streets are typically structured like exits. The road has an urban character due to its view of the skyline of The Hague, the tramway and its overhead power lines, and the amenities along the road.
Appraisal of the road according to the Functional Ambiance method
Benchmark of city access roads
89
Difficult for pedestrians to cross the street
Crosssings
90
Benchmark of city access roads
Tram partly underground
Signal-controlled zebra crossings
Bus stops on road
Benchmark of city access roads
91
WILLEMSTRAAT Eindhoven USE
Traffic volume: 9,000 vehicles per 24 hours Cars: 1 x 2 lanes with no central reservation Public transport: buses on roadway Cycling: on cycle path Parking: alongside the road Functions in vicinity: residential, shops, businesses, and hospitality
92
Benchmark of city access roads
LAYOUT
Greenery: Tree species: Lighting: Width:
trees Robinia between road and cycle path 23 metres
ACCIDENT STATISTICS 2008-2012 Number of accidents: Number of injured: Number of deaths: Slow traffic involved:
3 0 0 1
nndeylaan John F. Ke
laan
Marconi
N270
Til
bu
an
rg s
Fuutla
ew eg
eg telw Has
l re
Ka
Bou
de
e ot Gr
an
la
Geldro
psew eg
ten s
laan
g we
der
n Lee
Benchmark of city access roads
93
Profile of Willemstraat Distances in metres Road width from faรงade to faรงade: 23 metres, 75.45 feet 94
Benchmark of city access roads
3,20
footway
1,80
cycle path
2,00
paved verge
6,00
carriageway
2,10
pparking
1,00
paved verge
1,80
cycle path
footway
5,10
Details Good points include the separate cycle paths, the green character of the road (trees, hanging baskets, park), and wide footways. The road also connects to Clausplein. On a negative note, the layout is inconsistent with the road safety guidelines, which may cause confusion.
Willemstraat is a residential access road with a 30-km speed limit connecting the city’s inner ring road to the middle ring. Despite the 30km-per-hour speed limit, the road serves as a meeting point for side streets from the surrounding neighbourhoods. The road has no segregated lanes, but does have separate cycle paths. The side streets exit onto Willemstraat at uncontrolled junctions. There are trees and street lights on either side of the road. There are parking spaces on the north side and loading and unloading bays in front of the shops on the south side of the road (near the inner ring (Emmasingel)). The shops and boutiques are small-scale. Office buildings are located on the north side of the road. Buses stop on the roadway. Due to the narrow road profile, trees and shrubs and high-rise buildings, the street has a friendly and urban character.
In the period 2008-2012, 3 accidents were reported at Willemstraat, with no people injured. One accident involved a cyclist. The street does not comply fully with the road safety guidelines. According to these guidelines, a residential road with a 30 km/h speed limit should not segregate between the different traffic flows, which Willemstraat does. The street is unifunctional and a destination in itself for many activities. Its recognisability, forgiving environment and clarity of status are good. OF THE ROAD APPRAISAL
”Willemstraat is a lovely street. We are proud of it. There is a lot of green, which everyone likes. We wanted to introduce a 30 km/h speed limit throughout the city centre, but that was not politically feasible. Willemstraat is a grey area, in the sense that it has not been constructed entirely as a 30 km/h road.”
Wea ving
g
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Zon in
m olis
ss
Ne two rk
-cro Criss
ring ste Clu
rd
Fron t ya
Jacques Splint, transport engineer
s
Flow
Appraisal of the road according to the Functional Ambiance method
Benchmark of city access roads
95
Separate cycle paths
The road runs next to square ‘Clausplein’
96
Benchmark of city access roads
Hanging baskets
Square â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Clauspleinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;
Parking alongside the road
Side street
Parking behind green borders
Benchmark of city access roads
97
BOSCHDIJK Eindhoven USE
Traffic volume: 12,000 vehicles per 24 hours Cars: 2 x 1 lane with central reservation Public transport: buses on roadway Cycling: on cycle path Parking: alongside the road Functions in vicinity: residential, shops, businesses, and hospitality
98
Benchmark of city access roads
LAYOUT
Greenery: Tree species: Lighting: Width:
trees oak trees between road and cycle path 33.5 metres
ACCIDENT STATISTICS 2008-2012 Number of accidents: Number of injured: Number of deaths: Slow traffic involved:
41 10 0 7
nndeylaan John F. Ke
laan
Marconi
N270
Til
bu
an
rg s
Fuutla
ew eg
eg telw Has
l re
Ka
Bou
de
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an
la
Geldro
psew eg
ten s
laan
g we der
n Lee
Benchmark of city access roads
99
Profile of Boschdijk Distances in metres Road width from faรงade to faรงade: 33,5 metres, 110.0 feet
100
Benchmark of city access roads
5,00
front garden
2,00
footway
2,10
cycle path
1,10
paved verge
2,20
paarking
2,90
carriageway
2,40
central reservation
2,90
carriageway
2,50
paarking
1,10
paved verge
2,10
cycle path
2,00
footway
front garden
5,00
Details Strong points are the separate cycle paths and green character of the central reservation. Weak points include its lack of liveliness, the major crossing at Barrierweg, and the lack of sufficient crossings elsewhere along the road.
Boschdijk (12,000 vehicles per 24 hours) is a neighbourhood access road connecting the city’s inner ring to the A50 motorway. A radial route, the road has traditionally been an important access road. The section between Alard du Hamelstraat and Marconilaan has a quiet, suburban character. The carriageways are separated by a green central reservation between 2.4 and 5 metres wide, with a row of trees along the middle. There are parking spaces on the north side of the road, and separate cycle paths on either side of it. The road is lined mainly by houses, some of which include offices or small shops. The side streets exit onto the road at give-way junctions. Buses drive on the road and stop in dedicated bus stop bays. The street feels a bit remote due to its distance to the buildings and lack of liveliness.
In the period 2008-2012, 41 accidents were reported at Boschdijk, between Alard du Hamelstraat and the roundabout for Marconilaan, with 10 people injured. Seven accidents involved slow traffic. The street complies fully with the road safety guidelines. The different traffic flows are segregated, the parking spaces are sufficiently wide, and the road is recognisable and wide enough to provide a forgiving environment for cars. The road has a homogeneous function.
APPRAISAL OF THE ROAD ”We downgraded this road from 2 x 2 lanes to 2 x1 lane ten years ago, at the request of local residents. That provoked a lot of discussion, but the result is good and has been received very positively by residents. They would like to see the road profile extended to the section between the roundabout and city ring road if there is the money for it.”
Wea ving
Zon ing
s boli Sym
m
ss
Ne two rk
-cro Criss
ring ste Clu
rd
Fron t ya
Jacques Splint, transport engineer Municipality of Eindhoven
s Flow
Appraisal of the road according to the Functional Ambiance method
Benchmark of city access roads
101
Bus on roadway
Cycle lane and parking spaces
102
Benchmark of city access roads
Guard railings around central island
Junction with side street
Cycle crossing
Benchmark of city access roads
103
AALSTERWEG Eindhoven USE
Traffic volume: 15,000 vehicles per 24 hours Cars: 2 x 1 lane with bus lane along the middle Public transport: buses in bus lane Cycling: on cycle path Parking: alongside the road Functions in vicinity: residential, shops, businesses, and hospitality
104
Benchmark of city access roads
LAYOUT
Greenery: Tree species: Lighting: Width:
trees plane trees between road and cycle path 23.5 metres
ACCIDENT STATISTICS 2008-2012 Number of accidents: Number of injured: Number of deaths: Slow traffic involved:
52 4 0 3
nndeylaan John F. Ke
laan
Marconi
N270
Til
bu
an
rg s
Fuutla
ew eg
eg telw Has
l re
Ka Bou
ten
de
e ot Gr
an
la
Geldro
psew eg
slaa
n
g we der
n Lee
Benchmark of city access roads
105
Profile of Aalsterweg Distances in metres Road width from faรงade to faรงade: 23,5 metres, 77.1 feet 106
Benchmark of city access roads
2,30
footway
2,00
cycle path
1,00
paved verge
2,00
parking
2,90
carriageway
3,40
bus lane
2,90
carriageway
2,00
parking
1,00
paved verge
2,00
cycle path
footway
1,90
Details Strong points are the separate cycle paths and the width of the parking spaces. The shops create a bustling street. The cycle paths are sufficiently wide, leaving less space for the pavement. The road is not very easy to cross due to its width and the three lanes. There are only a handful of crossings.
Aalsterweg (15,000 vehicles per 24 hours) is an area access road situated between Stratumsedijk and the N2. It is a radial route and, as such, has traditionally been an important road into and out of the city. There is a bus lane in the middle of the road along the section between Leostraat (outer ring) and Stratumsedijk, and there are shops on either side of the road. The three lanes (cars, outbound buses, cars) are separated by means of solid white lines. The road is lined on both sides with plane trees. Buses stop in the bus lane in the middle of the road, near the junction with Stratumsedijk and Leenderweg, from where the lane widens into two bus lanes. There are separate cycle paths on either side of the road. The side streets give onto the road by means of exits. The poor quality of the tarmac in the bus lane and the non-uniform buildings on both sides of the road (vacant buildings and low-quality appearance) give the street an untidy look. Combining 3 lanes into a single roadway gives it a ‘hard’ feel.
In the period 2008-2012, 52 accidents were reported at Aalsterweg, between Leostraat and Stratumsedijk, with 4 people injured. Four accidents involved slow traffic. That is a very small percentage. Because of the large amount of space afforded to motorised traffic, the chance of conflicts is high. The street complies with the road safety guidelines to only a moderate extent. The different traffic flows are not segregated (buses and cars sharing lanes in both directions). Although the road is a destination in itself for a number of activities, it is also a busy access road. At the same time, the spaces are sufficiently APPRAISAL OFparking THE ROAD wide and the road is recognisable and wide enough to provide a forgiving environment for vehicles. Cyclists have their own infrastructure.
“We are constructing a dedicated lane for high-quality public transport along the second section. Because of the shops and high traffic volume, there is not much we can do about this section of Aalsterweg. We would love to construct a second bus lane and provide more greenery, but the road is just not big enough.”
Wea ving
Sy
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Zon in
sm
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Ne two rk
-cro Criss
ring ste Clu
Fron t ya rd
Jacques Splint, transport engineer Municipality of Eindhoven
s Flow
Appraisal of the road according to the Functional Ambiance method
Benchmark of city access roads
107
Separate cycle path
Church as a point of orientation at the end of the radial
Junction with side street
108
Benchmark of city access roads
Plane trees lining parking spaces
Outbound buses in bus lane, buses into the town centre on main road
Buses drive and stop on the main road
Underground wastebins incorporated into parking and tree strip
Parking alongside the road
Very poor condition of tarmac creates an untidy look Large amount of tarmac gives a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; feel and makes the road difficult to cross
Benchmark of city access roads
109
SOPHIASTRAAT Breda USE
Traffic volume: 12,000 vehicles per 24 hours Cars: 2 x 1 lane with green spaces and parking spaces along the middle Public transport: buses on roadway Cycling: in cycle lane Parking: alongside the road Functions in vicinity: residential, shops, businesses, and hospitality 110
Benchmark of city access roads
LAYOUT
Greenery: Tree species: Hedge species: Lighting: Width:
trees and hedges plane trees field maple between road and footway 29 metres
ACCIDENT STATISTICS 2008-2012 Number of accidents: Number of injured: Number of deaths: Slow traffic involved:
43 12 1 4
Nieuwe Kadijk
l in ge
Ettensebaan
W ilh elm in as
A16
Lu ne tst raa t
A27 illem
nW
Joha
an isola
Fr
Benchmark of city access roads
111
Profile of Sophiastraat Distances in metres Road width from faรงade to faรงade: 29 metres, 95.1 feet
112
Benchmark of city access roads
2,50
footway
1,90
parking
1,50
cycle lane
3,20
carriageway
1,70
hedge
1,90
parking
3,80
small road
1,90
parking
1,70
hedge
3,20
carriageway
1,50
cycle lane
1,90
parking
footway
2,50
Details Strong points are the green central reservation and parking spaces (enough to meet the high demand), the big square between Sophiastraat and Nassaustraat, providing a lot of manoeuvring space, and the safe pedestrian crossings. Access to the parking spaces in the central reservation is not very safe, given the narrow entrances and exits, and would need improving. Moreover, the traffic flows are not segregated, with cyclists, buses and cars all sharing the same lane.
Sophiastraat is a neighbourhood access road in the northeast of the centre, situated between Valkenbergpark and Wilhelminasingel. The two carriageways are separated by a green central reservation, which is used in part to provide parking spaces. These are accessible by means of their own little road, and separated by field maple hedges and plane trees. The road also has cycle lanes. The side streets give onto the road via give-way junctions or exits. Buses drive on the road and stop in dedicated bays. There are shops and cafes in some of the buildings and a number of law firms in the mansions. These mansions, coupled with the very green central reservation, tall trees and view of the park, give the road a stately and leafy urban feel. There is a reasonable volume of cycle traffic and through traffic using the road, which makes it lively.
s Flow
Wea ving
Ne two rk
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boli
Zon in
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ring ste Clu
F r o n t ya rd
Jack de Bokx, transport engineer Municipality of Breda
The street meets the road safety guidelines reasonably well. The main road provides a forgiving environment for cars. The road is clearly an access road. Cyclists are not separated from the car traffic and the parking spaces are not wide enough. The road has multiple functions because of the central reservation where people can park APPRAISAL OF THE ROAD their cars. This creates additional flows crossing each other. As access roads go, the road is reasonably homogeneous.
-cro Criss
â&#x20AC;?This through route will largely be closed to traffic at the junction with Kennedylaan in 2015. Buses will also be rerouted. There have been complaints about speeding at night, when the street is quiet. We would like to downgrade it to a 30 km/h road. But the straights are too long and the lanes too wide. Also, the volume of car traffic is high and there is a bus service, which prevent us from downgrading the road. That said, the road will be closed on one side in 2015, which will reduce the amount of through traffic. The road profile will not be changed. It is a lovely 19th century street with lots of green. Cafes and restaurants fit this profile. We expect that shops at the lower end of the market will disappear after the closure. Parking in the central reservation is not ideal. We would rather have one large green central space, but the parking demand is just too high and there are no better alternatives.â&#x20AC;?
In the period 2008-2012, 43 accidents were reported at Sophiastraat/ Nassaustraat, with 12 people injured and 1 death (collision between a moped and a pedestrian). Seven accidents involved slow traffic.
Appraisal of the road according to the Functional Ambiance method
Benchmark of city access roads
113
Side streets structured as exits
Wide green central reservation
Junction with side street
114
Benchmark of city access roads
Diagonal zebra crossing
Fountain guiding traffic â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;naturallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the junction
Bus on main road with stop bay
A number of cycle parking spaces
Car park in central reservation to meet parking demand and need for green spaces
Benchmark of city access roads
115
Public transport tram on main road
Marialaan Nijmegen
Sint Annastraat Nijmegen
Groesbeekseweg Nijmegen
Vleutenseweg Utrecht
Heidelberglaan Utrecht
Croeselaan Utrecht
Brinkgreverweg Deventer
Avenue Ceramique Maastricht
IJburglaan Amsterdam
Overtoom Amsterdam
Mathenesserlaan Rotterdam
Prinsegracht Den Haag
Willemstraat Eindhoven
Boschdijk Eindhoven
Aalsterweg Eindhoven
Sophiasingel Breda
116
Benchmark of city access roads
separate tramway
bus on main road
separate busway
Stops bus and tram mixed
in car or bus lane
Cycling alongside road
parallel road
separate cycle path
Car cycle lane
2x1 with 1x2 with no central central reservation reservation
Parking alongside main road
alongside parallel road
Fun
Buildings residential
retail
commercial
squa
h no
tion
Parking alongside main road
alongside parallel road
Function
Buildings residential
retail
commercial
square
hospitality, cafes
Junctions traffic lights
no traffic lights
Side streets side streets
residential area
Pedestrian crossings traffic lights
zebra
markings
Cycle crossings trafffic lights
markings
Ligthing central
either side
Trees central
either side
Benchmark of city access roads
117
DEVENTER Snipperlingsdijk 4 7417 BJ Deventer Postbus 161 7400 AD Deventer T +31 (0)570 666 222
THE HAGUE Verheeskade 197 2521 DD Den Haag T +31 (0)70 305 30 53 EINDHOVEN Flight Forum 92-94 5657 DC Eindhoven T +31 (0)40 235 25 00 LEEUWARDEN F. HaverSchmidtwei 2 8914 BC Leeuwarden T +31 (0)58 253 44 46
www.goudappel.nl
118
Benchmark of city access roads
AMSTERDAM De Ruyterkade 143 1011 AC Amsterdam T +31 (0)20 420 92 17